Somi performs tonight at Wharton Center

Meet the high priestess of New African Soul

(Thursday, Oct. 28) Combining traditional East African folk, Afro-pop and even elements of classical Western music, Somi — the daughter of Rwandese and Ugandan parents, who is now makes her home in New York — won over audiences at the Summer Solstice Jazz festival in East Lansing in June. Now, the singer returns for a concert at the Wharton Center's Pasant Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

She's promoting her third album, "If the Rains Come First." Boston Globe critic Siddartha Mitter praised the CD last year, noting that it“glistens withthe sheen of an almost impossibly perfect cosmopolitanism. Singing in Englishand three East African languages, Somi's vocal delivery is subtle, yet thepower she exerts is enormous. Her artistic evolution is indisputable.”

Tickets are $28. Call 800-WHARTON or visit the Wharton Center box office for more information.